Key Personnel

Mark HyattCo-Founder
Managing Member

Mr. Hyatt formed KDF in 1996 with the goal of building a tax-credit financed apartment portfolio in California. Through a combination of the rehabilitation of distressed apartment communities and new construction, Mr. Hyatt has led KDF in accumulating a portfolio of over 5,000 units. In his working role, he is responsible for handling the financing of projects and oversight of the day-to-day operations of the company. He is recognized as a leader within the real estate industry in seeking new and unique methods of financing. Mr. Hyatt began working as a consultant in affordable housing finance in 1995 before forming KDF in 1996. Since then, he has financed 44 affordable housing communities consisting of numerous State and Federal subsidy programs. Mr. Hyatt graduated with honors with a BA in real estate finance from Cal State Long Beach.

Paul FruchbomCo-Founder

Paul Fruchbom is a veteran of the real estate development industry with more than 30 years experience. Prior to forming KDF Communities, he founded Partners Realty Capital, a real estate financing firm. In addition, Mr. Fruchbom served as vice president of the mortgage banking division at Grubb & Ellis Financial Services. Since 1978, he has been responsible for over $4 billion in commercial real estate financing. Mr. Fruchbom graduated with a BA in Economics from Bucknell University and received a J.D. from Georgetown Law School.

Chris BurnsDirector of Development

Chris Burns is responsible for determining the most effective financing options available for an affordable housing community. Mr. Burns has been involved in the financing and development of affordable housing since 1997. He has closed over 50 affordable housing transactions and has worked with many funding sources for rental housing including tax-exempt bonds, 4% tax credits, 9% tax credits, HOME funds, CDBG, MHP funds, AHP funds, HEART funds and RDA funds. Mr. Burns graduated with BA in Real Estate Finance from Cal State Long Beach.

Rod MacdonaldDirector of New Construction

Rod MacDonald handles KDF’s design and construction management. Mr. MacDonald is a licensed California architect and general contractor and has been in the development business for 38 years. With over one thousand units constructed, his multi-family experience spans everything from single story to multistory over subterranean garages. In addition to multi-family products, he has developed or constructed several million square feet of office and industrial real estate properties. His overall responsibilities include recruiting the most experienced team of architects, engineers and contractors, thus achieving the highest quality of design while meeting the needs of our residents and completing the projects within budget and on time. Mr. MacDonald graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California.

John BernardDirector of Acquisitions

John Bernard is responsible for the acquisition of existing apartment complexes in Southern California. Mr. Bernard has over 25 years experience in commercial real estate and has been with KDF since 1998. Mr. Bernard has been involved in the direct acquisition of approximately half of KDF’s portfolio of over 5,000 units, and has purchased or financed approximately $500,000,000 of real estate in his career. Mr. Bernard graduated with honors with a BS from Arizona State University and received an MBA in real estate and finance from University of California at Berkley.

Kathy LeachCFO

Kathy Leach joined the firm in 2005 to support the Company’s new construction division by setting up and managing the accounting and funding of new and rehab construction projects. She is also responsible for maintaining the Financial Reporting of the KDF portfolio of Apartments and coordinating the Investment activities of the Equity partner as well as the day to day operations of KDF Communities and its subsidiaries. Ms. Leach has over 30 years of experience as a Real Estate Financial Accountant specializing in development and construction. Ms. Leach graduated with a BA in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from Cal State Fullerton

Heidi BassAsset Manager

Heidi Bass is in charge of coordinating due diligence, resolution of post closing issues, loan conversions and processing of capital installments. Ms. Bass holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southeastern Louisiana University.